Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Italian Skier Matteo Franzoso, 25, Dies After Training Crash in Chile

Athletes are pressing federations to overhaul training protections.

Overview

  • Italy’s ski federation confirmed Franzoso died from injuries sustained during a La Parva training run, a day before his 26th birthday.
  • Federation details say he misjudged a small jump, went off course, broke through two safety nets, and struck a fence roughly seven meters from the track.
  • Franzoso was airlifted to Santiago and placed in an induced coma for a severe head injury but later succumbed to his trauma.
  • Teammate Christof Innerhofer described a small ground wave before a left-hand turn and said he is devastated and unable to resume training.
  • French veteran Adrien Théaux called for an urgent safety debate and tougher course protections, while Italy’s federation president said the sport must do everything to prevent further tragedies.